Dimapur, March 16 (MExN): A theatrical musical titled “Echoes of the Hills: The Tragopan’s Song” was staged at St. John College, Dimapur on March 14.
The original stage production was organised by the Symphonic Music Club of the college and was scripted and directed by Inakali Assumi, Head of the Department of English, according to a press release issued by the college.
Chairman of the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru, attended the event as the special guest, while Shau Evans, a guest artist and alumnus of the college, was also present.
The programme was hosted by Nzanroni Yanthan, Secretary General of the college students’ council. Keshenle Seb, Head of the Department of Political Science, invoked God’s presence at the beginning of the programme, followed by the welcome address delivered by Principal Chubatila.
A special song was presented by Mangkotongmen and Marshiba Longkumer, a student-faculty duo.
In his address, Theja Meru congratulated the students and faculty for the original stage production and encouraged students to remain committed to music and the arts while staying connected to their cultural roots.
Guest artist Shau Evans also performed during the programme, presenting an acoustic rendition of the songs “The Night We Met” and “Grow As We Go.”
The theatrical musical that followed featured students of the college as actors, choir members and musicians.
According to the release, “The Tragopan’s Song” follows the story of a warrior and huntsman named Arkha from a land of warriors whose life is transformed by the arrival of a mystical bird from beyond his land. As the narrative unfolds, Arkha confronts an internal struggle between loyalty to his ancestral heritage and the pull of an unfamiliar force beyond his world.
The production combined dance, music and storytelling, with students performing the dialogue, choral singing and instrumental segments of the musical.
Peter J. Banks, Administrative Head of the college, delivered the vote of thanks, while Pastor Toshi of St. John concluded the event with a prayer.
Students from various colleges in Dimapur, along with parents, alumni and well-wishers, attended the programme.
Other guests present included K. Nishena Nekha, Deputy Director in the Directorate of Education, Nagaland; T. Sahoo, Chief Manager of Bank of Baroda, Dimapur; Rishav Sethi, CEO of NITI; Sashila Ozukum, Proprietor of Hope Academy; Imnasenla and Tovika Zhimomi, social media influencers and alumni; and Jungtina Jamir, among others.
The Symphonic Music Club of St John College also expressed gratitude to organisations and individuals who supported the production, including the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Bank of Baroda Dimapur, SC Nagaland, NITI, Enigma, Fingerprint, Jenty Steel, Advisor to the Government of Nagaland Moatoshi Longkumer, Dimapur Municipal Council councillor Yimkumba Kichu, Sashila Ozukum of Hope Academy, and alumni donors. The college also thanked two Indigenous Song composers for the production, Chungpongtoshi and Supongsangla Jamir of Ungma Village.
